New Delhi: Sheila Dikshit, Delhi’s longest-serving chief minister, died Saturday at a private hospital in the national capital. She was 81 years old.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to offer his condolences. He said Dikshit “made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development”.
Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji. Blessed with a warm and affable personality, she made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development. Condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/jERrvJlQ4X
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 20, 2019
“Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji. Blessed with a warm and affable personality, she made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development. Condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shanti,” the PM tweeted.
President Ram Nath Kovind, in a tweet, said, “Sad to hear the death of former Chief Minister of Delhi and a senior political figure, Sheila Dikshit. Her tenure was a period of important transformation for the capital for which she will be remembered.”
दिल्ली की पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री और एक वरिष्ठ राजनेता श्रीमती शीला दीक्षित के निधन के बारे में जानकर दुख हुआ। उनका कार्यकाल राजधानी दिल्ली के लिए महत्वपूर्ण परिवर्तन का दौर था जिसके लिए उन्हें याद किया जाएगा। उनके परिवार व सहयोगियों के प्रति मेरी शोक-संवेदनाएं — राष्ट्रपति कोविन्द
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 20, 2019
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi also took to Twitter to offer his condolences and called Dikshit “beloved daughter of the Congress Party.”
“I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. My condolences to her family & the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief,” he said.
Rahul’s sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra spoke to ANI about how Dikshit contributed towards party, politics of nation and especially to Delhi.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji. She loved me, whatever she did for Delhi & the country, people will remember it. She was a big leader of party, her contribution towards party, politics of nation & especially to Delhi, is immense,” she said.
Huge loss for Delhi, says Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said Dikshit’s death is a huge loss for Delhi. “…her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members,” Kejriwal tweeted.
Just now got to know about the extremely terrible news about the passing away of Mrs Sheila Dikshit ji. It is a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members. May her soul rest in peace
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 20, 2019
Former PM Manmohan Singh said the country has lost a “dedicated Congress Leader of the masses”. “People of Delhi will always remember her contribution to the development during her tenure as CM for 3 terms,” he said.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot offered his condolences and said Dikshit was “a true congressperson” who “worked tirelessly building Delhi into a world class city”.
Home Minister Amit Shah, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah were among several politicians who mourned Dikshit’s death and offered their condolences.
Also read: Sheila Dikshit, the Delhi aunty and Congress darling, proved politicians never retire